Experience with your Roofer?

[cordenny]

Looking for a reputable roofer. So many to choose from. Then there are the ones that claim you can get a new roof through your insurance.
Just looking for some advise and recommendations.
Thank you.

[kathyspear]

McHale Roofing has done two houses for us. Highly recommended. 352-255-2758

kathy

[dewilson58]

Sack Roofing.

[SharonW]

Sack Roofing is very honest and does great job.

SPS Roofing is also very good and honest.

Both local and been around a long time.

[retiredguy123]

McGinnis installed a roof for a friend. $5,000 for a 2 bedroom villa. He did an excellent job in 2 days. Didn't ask for any money in advance.

[ctmurray]

We used Batterbee. They are a big company, locally based. They will be around if you need anything. The insurance companies have really tightened down on the "free roof" deals after being run over by all the requests. We paid for new roof on our own. Professional presentation on what you will get with your roof. Then before the start several emails about what to do to prepare. Full clean up, magnetic sweepers to pick up any random nails. Then afterward an email asking if anything needs to be done, make sure you are happy. Nice little gift after the work is done!

[Skip]

McHale Roofing has done two houses for us. Highly recommended. 352-255-2758

kathy

I second that! The estimator has a good idea if the insurance company will pay for a new roof. Usually you need damage on TWO slopes to get a whole new roof, (less your deductible).
Avoid the ones in Orlando that say they will do the job for whatever the insurance company estimates and will "Represent You" during the claims process. They have sneaky clauses in their contracts.

Skip

[HeleneGB]

Certified Roofing

[JudyLife]

I had ‘Roof Guys’ replace my roof last year. Very happy with their service & price.

[Charsaunt]

Stay away from APC Roofing. You get a different story every time you talk with them. Try Apex Roofing.

[spofford]

Eustis Roofing did 2 houses for us, mobile home and ranch. Had to call back on mobile home, came quickly and been leak free. Cost in middle of pack. They do not deal with insurance companies. We did, and process was flawless.

[TheLawnKing]

I went with Batterbee. They sell/install/guarantee a roofing system rather than just shingles and tar paper. The communication was great prior to and after the installation. During the follow-up call I told them my neighbors have "shingle envy" because my roof looks so good. A+

[banjobob]

We used OcalaRoofing', very professional fairly priced,been in business many years. Beware the free roof some ste offering.

[Susan Garbarino]

Looking for a reputable roofer. So many to choose from. Then there are the ones that claim you can get a new roof through your insurance.
Just looking for some advise and recommendations.
Thank you.
My roof qualified for a free cleaning (under a ten year warranty). The cleaners reported a "soft spot" and referred me to McHale's Roofing. McHale's "walked" the entire roof and assured me there was no need for any repairs. I was relieved! I was prepared to get a $econd opinion and move forward. He bid me farewell and headed to his truck. I called to him reminding him I owed him for the service call. The "charge" was to call them if I thought I needed a repair and a suggestion to refer McHale's to friends and neighbors. Honest to the core! "Earning money old fashioned way" - limiting their contracts to work that actually needs done.
(352) 255-2758 (352) 365-0239

[Goodi70]

We used Batterbee. They are a big company, locally based. They will be around if you need anything. The insurance companies have really tightened down on the "free roof" deals after being run over by all the requests. We paid for new roof on our own. Professional presentation on what you will get with your roof. Then before the start several emails about what to do to prepare. Full clean up, magnetic sweepers to pick up any random nails. Then afterward an email asking if anything needs to be done, make sure you are happy. Nice little gift after the work is done!

I fully agree - my experience with Batterbee was the same - fully professional, no up front money and no "monkeying around" with rigging an insurance payment - I needed a new roof and I paid for it; end of story. You won't go wrong with this company,

[drrichard]

SPS Roofing (Scott Skipper - 352/347-8530), best price (of 5 estimates) and quick, capable, honest job. We couldn't be more pleased!

[ProfessorDave]

Roofing – Facts You Should Know – For Your Best and Safest Choice
1) Told “ROOFER” Did A Great Job! … beware; anybody saying “they just finished and did a great job” doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Most workmanship defects do not show up until at least a year – typically years 3-5.
2) Roofer Recommended – Use My Name… these people are likely getting a $200 kick back from the roofer if you do that.
3) Quick Facts About Roofs
a. BBB (Better Business Bureau) … roofing is one of the biggest complaint areas
b. Warranty… why are manufacturer warranties so long? Because they know 9 out of 10 roofs are void the day they’re installed; scary, 99% of roofers don’t even know that.
c. Roof Performance… what is most important is underneath the shingle – what you don’t see. So – most roofers cut corners there to make money – because you wouldn’t know.
d. Insurance Claims… get three bids? Frankly, that is often ridiculous. Insurance is hoping that you’ll get three bids – choose the cheapest – and they’re off easy. Reality is – if you allow the roofer to negotiate on your behalf – they get whatever price they can justify to insurance – even if the quote to you was significantly lower. Lesson – sign up the BEST ROOFER – not the cheapest!
e. Contractors… almost every contractor in The Villages is a marketing company. The crews doing the work are subcontractors. So – even if they show you certifications, insurance, etc., it is basically crap – because the liability (and quality) is based on the crew. Since these marketing contractors (industry calls them “storm chasers” – that follow the wind and hail – they are off to the next storm – and don’t stand behind their warranties anyway. Their salespeople are NICE - make you FEEL GREAT – and make well over hundred thousand with this sales approach.
4) Some Things I Look/Ask For – Roofs I’ve Helped With:
a. Quality Shingle… avoid IKO, TAMKO, ATLAS (they are not great at honoring their warranties); acceptable is Owens Corning (but it is thin – not as attractive – less dimension); Best are CertainTeed (heavy) and GAF (great technology).
b. Starter Strip… insist it is a “pro grade” – not a common 3 -tab flipped over. And – make sure it is at BOTH the eave and rake edges. The eave and rake get the most wind uplift; the pro grade starter strip provides superior wind resistance.
c. Underlayment. Use synthetics; do not use the common paper (i.e. 15 or 30 lbs. felt)
d. Current Insurance… some contractors pay the first month, and keep using a defunct insurance policy as evidence. Not real common – but when it happens – can be a BIG RISK. (example I know about: Lenox Fine China got fine $6 million – years ago in this situation – when somebody fell of their roof – and the contractor used this insurance scam.)
e. Leak Barrier… some call it “ice and water shield. Make sure it is at ALL vulnerable areas including the valley and around all penetrations. These are “self-healing membranes” and when the house does a slight shift (all homes do), the roof will stay watertight.
f. Metal Flashing… make sure they do not “re-use” the old stuff. You want it custom fit with new metal.
g. Ridge Shingle… do not allow cheap 3 – tab which is common – you want a Pro Grade ridge shingle. When you don’t, you diminish your roof to a 20-year warranty essentially.
h. Fastening… two issues: 1) if they don’t check the air pressure, nails can be too deep (causes tears) or not deep enough (creates holes). MORE importantly, are they keeping the nails INSIDE THE NAIL ZONE. If not, more vulnerable to wind blow off.
i. Wind Mitigation Certification… get it; it can lower your homeowner’s insurance by over a $100 per year.
j. Clean Up… including the gutters. Ideally, have them use a magnet sweeper for the lawn and shrubs to make sure none dropped.
k. Debris Capture… ideally directly from the roof into the container. When they drop and gather in wheel barrels, often nails get lose and can cause safety issues later.
l. Ridge Vent… make sure it is on “all ridges” that are over heated spaces and also make sure it extends to at most 18 inches from each edge. Lots of contractor’s cheat – save money by not extending the vent to the full length. The risk is not enough ventilation, which results in these common issues:
i. Voided Warranty… not enough “exhaust” at the ridge to meet code.
ii. Health Risks… by not creating air flow, warm/moist are is trapped in the attic. The recipe for mold is warm moist air in a dark environment with organic material.
iii. High Energy Costs… 2% moisture in attic ventilation reduces the effectiveness by 1/3
iv. Roof Durability… if the deck (under the shingles) gets too hot, the shingles “fry” out – in Florida, typically lasts about 13 – 18 years max.
m. Hip Roof?... they typically have only a small area of ridge. Therefore, highly recommend a few solar powered vents to assure “exhaust” ventilation.

[will1546]

McGinnis Roof 352-245-5651

[Bonnevie]

Roofing – Facts You Should Know – For Your Best and Safest Choice
1) Told “ROOFER” Did A Great Job! … beware; anybody saying “they just finished and did a great job” doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Most workmanship defects do not show up until at least a year – typically years 3-5.
2) Roofer Recommended – Use My Name… these people are likely getting a $200 kick back from the roofer if you do that.
3) Quick Facts About Roofs
a. BBB (Better Business Bureau) … roofing is one of the biggest complaint areas
b. Warranty… why are manufacturer warranties so long? Because they know 9 out of 10 roofs are void the day they’re installed; scary, 99% of roofers don’t even know that.
c. Roof Performance… what is most important is underneath the shingle – what you don’t see. So – most roofers cut corners there to make money – because you wouldn’t know.
d. Insurance Claims… get three bids? Frankly, that is often ridiculous. Insurance is hoping that you’ll get three bids – choose the cheapest – and they’re off easy. Reality is – if you allow the roofer to negotiate on your behalf – they get whatever price they can justify to insurance – even if the quote to you was significantly lower. Lesson – sign up the BEST ROOFER – not the cheapest!
e. Contractors… almost every contractor in The Villages is a marketing company. The crews doing the work are subcontractors. So – even if they show you certifications, insurance, etc., it is basically crap – because the liability (and quality) is based on the crew. Since these marketing contractors (industry calls them “storm chasers” – that follow the wind and hail – they are off to the next storm – and don’t stand behind their warranties anyway. Their salespeople are NICE - make you FEEL GREAT – and make well over hundred thousand with this sales approach.
4) Some Things I Look/Ask For – Roofs I’ve Helped With:
a. Quality Shingle… avoid IKO, TAMKO, ATLAS (they are not great at honoring their warranties); acceptable is Owens Corning (but it is thin – not as attractive – less dimension); Best are CertainTeed (heavy) and GAF (great technology).
b. Starter Strip… insist it is a “pro grade” – not a common 3 -tab flipped over. And – make sure it is at BOTH the eave and rake edges. The eave and rake get the most wind uplift; the pro grade starter strip provides superior wind resistance.
c. Underlayment. Use synthetics; do not use the common paper (i.e. 15 or 30 lbs. felt)
d. Current Insurance… some contractors pay the first month, and keep using a defunct insurance policy as evidence. Not real common – but when it happens – can be a BIG RISK. (example I know about: Lenox Fine China got fine $6 million – years ago in this situation – when somebody fell of their roof – and the contractor used this insurance scam.)
e. Leak Barrier… some call it “ice and water shield. Make sure it is at ALL vulnerable areas including the valley and around all penetrations. These are “self-healing membranes” and when the house does a slight shift (all homes do), the roof will stay watertight.
f. Metal Flashing… make sure they do not “re-use” the old stuff. You want it custom fit with new metal.
g. Ridge Shingle… do not allow cheap 3 – tab which is common – you want a Pro Grade ridge shingle. When you don’t, you diminish your roof to a 20-year warranty essentially.
h. Fastening… two issues: 1) if they don’t check the air pressure, nails can be too deep (causes tears) or not deep enough (creates holes). MORE importantly, are they keeping the nails INSIDE THE NAIL ZONE. If not, more vulnerable to wind blow off.
i. Wind Mitigation Certification… get it; it can lower your homeowner’s insurance by over a $100 per year.
j. Clean Up… including the gutters. Ideally, have them use a magnet sweeper for the lawn and shrubs to make sure none dropped.
k. Debris Capture… ideally directly from the roof into the container. When they drop and gather in wheel barrels, often nails get lose and can cause safety issues later.
l. Ridge Vent… make sure it is on “all ridges” that are over heated spaces and also make sure it extends to at most 18 inches from each edge. Lots of contractor’s cheat – save money by not extending the vent to the full length. The risk is not enough ventilation, which results in these common issues:
i. Voided Warranty… not enough “exhaust” at the ridge to meet code.
ii. Health Risks… by not creating air flow, warm/moist are is trapped in the attic. The recipe for mold is warm moist air in a dark environment with organic material.
iii. High Energy Costs… 2% moisture in attic ventilation reduces the effectiveness by 1/3
iv. Roof Durability… if the deck (under the shingles) gets too hot, the shingles “fry” out – in Florida, typically lasts about 13 – 18 years max.
m. Hip Roof?... they typically have only a small area of ridge. Therefore, highly recommend a few solar powered vents to assure “exhaust” ventilation.

Thank you for this. Many of my neighbors are getting "free" roofs and the company that initiated it agrees to accept whatever the insurance companies pay. I have to think they will do the bare minimum so that profit to them is maximized.

[wsachs]

Go to the sites of the shingle companies (GAF, Certainteed, Owens Corning) and look for their gold star preferred roofers in the area. Those listed on the websites have been in business with the suppliers.

[Tommyc6]

SPS roofing

[ping]

Agree, Batterbee is an excellent company! Family owned, local, stands behind their work and product! Did a great job....they work the whole time at your house. A company my neighbor had used to replace their roof, actually took a siesta at midday. Came off the roof and laid on any shady patch of grass! Prep was excellent....covered plants, protected garage door and driveway. Cleanup was equally excellent! They even offer financing at 0% for 18 months! Highly recommend.

[PennyAnn]

We hired Bowles Roofing from Ocala. We wanted to stay away from all the local scammers. Bowles were very professional and we would hire them again, without hesitation.

[hal195z]

Check with your insurance company before you sign anything from the roofer because if the insurance company does not approve the new shingles, you are responsible for the entire bill. Don't believe the roofer. Also, because of the large amount of roofing claims, insurance costs are going up for everyone.

[SkylightRoofing]

Skylight Roofing Inc
The Villages Top Rated Roofer 2021
Licensed/ No Sub-Contractors
Offices Sumter - Marion - Orlando
(352) 552-4766
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Google Rated

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Looking for a reputable roofer. So many to choose from. Then there are the ones that claim you can get a new roof through your insurance.
Just looking for some advise and recommendations.
Thank you.

Batterbee.

[wdst1]

McHale roofing. Honest, fast, dependable

[mikef65]

Batterbee did a few dozen roofs on the Amelia east side after an Owens Corning shingle recall (around 2012). The spent 1 day per house. All the right equipment and people to do the job, and did great cleaning up also. Still great.

[fastboat]

Stay away from APC Roofing. You get a different story every time you talk with them. Try Apex Roofing.

Apex will ask you to sign an agreement which you relinquish all your rights to deal with the insurance company. Acting as your agent, which by signing you gave them the right to, you could be arguing with the insurance company for a very long time and never get the roof they promised.

[J1ceasar]

there are several very reputable roofers in this area -- ask how long they have bee around and their last 3 jobs near you.

[Brynnie]

Looking for a reputable roofer. So many to choose from. Then there are the ones that claim you can get a new roof through your insurance.
Just looking for some advise and recommendations.
Thank you.

Go with Batterbee. You can't go wrong. They've been around a long time, are reputable, and do excellent work.

[marilynmltw]

Agree, stay away from APC! We have tried to get them to come back to check out problems since they put on our new roof last May. Our solar tube was filled with black soot and bugs. Solar tube came and said the roofers left a big gap when they reinstalled it.
Then, we had 2 drain pipes fall down...a handyman fixed them for us.

Now, we are left with a terrible vibration noise on one side of our house. It is very loud and annoyng. They said they were coming, but they never showed up at the appointed time. After that we just got the runaround and we are going to have to call another roofer to fix it.

[jboland]

Eustis Roofing, Honest, thorough, user friendly. Simply the Best!

[rmd2]

Batterbee Roofing. They did my roof after hurricane Irma. They did a great job. The lining, shingles and workers were excellent. They do top of the line work, an example is they use 6 nails per sheet not like the minimum of 4 like some other companies.

[Bonnevie]

Agree, stay away from APC! We have tried to get them to come back to check out problems since they put on our new roof last May. Our solar tube was filled with black soot and bugs. Solar tube came and said the roofers left a big gap when they reinstalled it.
Then, we had 2 drain pipes fall down...a handyman fixed them for us.

Now, we are left with a terrible vibration noise on one side of our house. It is very loud and annoyng. They said they were coming, but they never showed up at the appointed time. After that we just got the runaround and we are going to have to call another roofer to fix it.

this confirms what McHales told me. Said they are getting a lot of calls to repair roofs because the roofers who did them don't come back.

[427dave]

Apex will ask you to sign an agreement which you relinquish all your rights to deal with the insurance company. Acting as your agent, which by signing you gave them the right to, you could be arguing with the insurance company for a very long time and never get the roof they promised.

That is what happened with us and Apex. Also our insurance company (AIG) informed us our deductible was changed from $500 to $15,000. Therefore we cancelled Apex and are looking for new insurance company. AIG said that deductible was increased due to all the roofs being replaced in The Villages